Congestion is causing theft increase for resting cargo at ports

Storage locations are now considered critical at-risk areas for theft with a 30% rise in incidents

Congestion at North American ports and inland facilities has led to an increased threat of cargo theft, as cargo-theft trends have moved from in-transit vehicle-based attacks to losses while cargo is at rest.

A 2021 report compiled by TT Club and BSI, focussing on North America, show that delays and backlogs created by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in China, had an added impact on the at-risk factor.

Hijackings accounted for 26% of cargo thefts in 2021, down from 30% in 2020. However, thefts from facilities stood at 25% in 2021, compared to 24% in the previous year.

The report also noted an increased risk of insider infiltration into operator organisations, such as haulage companies and warehousing facilities, with 7% of incidents linked to employee theft.  

Agricultural produce, food and beverages, construction materials and electronics were the most targeted products. In particular, the research notes that the value of manufactured products for construction and electronics has increased since the global pandemic outbreak due to the sharp price increases in raw materials used in their production such as nitrogen, iron ore, lumber, steel and semiconductors.

comments powered by Disqus